The mission of the Michigan Port Collaborative is to elevate the recognition and economic vitality of our port communities while protecting and promoting our Great Lakes and developing our coast as “Michigan’s Front Door.”

What is the Michigan Port Collaborative?

The Collaborative is a diverse membership of public and private sector representatives of Michigan’s Great Lakes port communities, represented by elected officials, tourism, convention and visitors bureau leaders, cargo shipping, ferry, marina and harbor operators, museums, economic development leaders, consultants, educators, and state and federal partners.

Recognizing that our Great Lakes and Michigan’s coastal assets are key to attracting tourists and new businesses, improving the quality of life for our residents, and developing vibrant and working waterfronts, the Collaborative continues to grow. It is working to identify and advance the common policy and budget priorities of its members in Lansing and Washington D.C. and serve as an information clearinghouse and incubator for port development.

Michigan’s coastal communities that host one or more port functions form the core of the Collaborative. Port functions include cargo shipping, ferry services, recreational harbors funded by the Michigan Waterways Commission, and commercial maritime services, such as charters, commercial fishing, marine vessel construction, maintenance and repair, marine salvage, dredging and towing, as well as the land-based support operations affiliated with these.

In addition, the Collaborative offers advisory membership to:

Great Lakes coastal partners: municipalities and counties that work with port communities but do not yet host port functions themselves

Inland partner communities that work with port communities

Non-profit organizations, consulting groups and businesses that are involved in port activities